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Mel Kiper names Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs as one of his instant-impact rookies

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The Buccaneers walked away from the 2020 NFL draft with one of the class’ top-ranked offensive tackles in Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.

The behemoth lineman will hopefully be the solution — or at least a part — to the Bucs’ recent O-line problems. In fact, Wirfs might be the most important offensive tackle ever drafted by the Bucs, namely because he was selected to help protect six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.

While an undertaking like that is a tall order for a rookie, Mel Kiper over at ESPN thinks the former Hawkeye is up to the challenge, as he named Wirfs as one of his 15 instant-impact rookies from the 2020 draft class.

“Quarterback Tom Brady won’t turn the ball over like Jameis Winston did, and defenses will have to respect the play-action game. Rob Gronkowski is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league. Wirfs, the new starter at right tackle, is the best road grader in this draft class. There were a few teams that viewed Wirfs, at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, as a potential guard, and his talent in the running game is undeniable. For a team that believes it has enough talent to chase another title for Brady, Wirfs will fill a void.”

The Bucs also added some offensive firepower in their backfield, selecting Vanderbilt RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn in round three and Louisiana RB Raymond Calais in round seven. Both will provide support to incumbent starter Ronald Jones.

But, it was the selection of Wirfs that made this draft a successful one for the Bucs.

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